Pharmacological Evaluation of Decalepis hamiltonii Seed Extract: Dose-Dependent Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Mechanisms in Experimental Models of Liver Toxicity
Abstract
Abstract Liver toxicity, often mediated by oxidative stress and xenobiotic metabolism, remains a critical pharmacological challenge. While Decalepis hamiltonii roots are traditionally used for hepatoprotection, the pharmacological potential of its seeds is largely unexplored. This study investigates the mechanistic basis of the methanolic seed extract of D. hamiltonii in mitigating carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-, paracetamol-, and ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats, with a focus on its antioxidant and cytoprotective pathways. Phytochemical profiling revealed the presence of bioactive constituents, while acute oral toxicity studies confirmed its safety. In vitro antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, phosphomolybdenum, superoxide radical scavenging, H₂O₂ scavenging, and metal chelation) demonstrated robust free radical scavenging activity. In vivo, the extract (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) exhibited dose-dependent attenuation of liver injury, as evidenced by normalized serum biomarkers (ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin) and restored hepatic antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH). Histopathological analysis further validated its efficacy, with the 200 mg/kg dose showing hepatic architectural preservation comparable to silymarin, a standard hepatoprotective agent. These findings elucidate the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the hepatoprotective effects of D. hamiltonii seed extract, positioning it as a potential phytotherapeutic candidate for drug development targeting…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a preprint, done in animal, not in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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